Ahoy, Matie Vibe Inspired by Real Pirates Exhibit at Franklin Institute

Philadelphia, PA (April 28, 2008) - The Loews Philadelphia hotel will offer the"Real Pirates Premier Hotel Package," an overnight package featuring luxurious accommodations and two VIP tickets to "Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship" at The Franklin Institute Science Museum. Available May 31 - November 2, 2008, the package 'bounty' starts at $199 per room, per night.  Reserving the hotel package is the only way to obtain untimed, undated tickets to this exclusive exhibit which also includes Sci-Pass admission to The Franklin Institute. 

Sunk in a fierce storm off the coast of Cape Cod, MA, in April 1717, the Whydah was located by underwater explorer Barry Clifford in 1984, becoming the first fully authenticated pirate ship to be discovered in American waters.  Real Pirates, with more than 200 treasures recovered from the wreck and a full-size replica of the actual ship itself, will provide visitors with an unprecedented glimpse into unique economic, political and social circumstances of the early 18th-century Caribbean. An exhibit highlight is the ship's bell inscribed "Whydah Galley 1716," which was the key object used to authenticate the shipwreck site as that of the Whydah.  Also included in the exhibit will be pirate dress items such as a silver pin, buckles, buttons and cufflinks; muskets, cannons and swords; gold and silver coins; Akan gold jewelry; and such day-to-day objects as a tea kettle, a teapot, pewter tableware, an inkwell, gaming tokens and clay pipes. Guests will even have the opportunity to touch a collection of coins on display. 

Packages are subject to availability and change. Rate is not valid for groups of 10 or more.  For information about Loews Philadelphia Hotel, or to reserve a room, call (215) 231-7333, toll-free at (800) 235-6397 or visit on-line at www.loewshotels.com.

Located in the vibrant Market Street East neighborhood at 12^th and Market, the Loews Philadelphia hotel opened in 2000 and completed a $9 million renovation of all guestrooms in February 2007. The 581 guestrooms, including 55 concierge club rooms and 14 suites, are appointed with supremely comfortable bedding, Bloom toiletries, flat screen TVs, MP3 compatible radio/alarm clocks, Keurig coffee makers and high-speed Internet access. Guests also have complimentary access to Breathe Spa and Fitness, a 15,000 square-foot spa wellness center with state-of-the-art equipment.

The hotel's three concierge club levels offer private key access to the top three floors of the hotel, access to the concierge club lounge and library featuring wireless Internet access, televisions and newspapers. In the morning guests can enjoy a Continental breakfast in the lounge.